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Royal Holloway vs Manchester - Music undergraduate

Just wanted to know, is Royal Holloway or Manchester uni better for music? (especially as I want to specialise in composing). I know that manchester’s music department is highly respected and the uni itself obviously is high ranked + part of RG. However, I know that RH is known in the music industry too. I feel like RH’s course is more suitable for me; and as I want to do film music, I know that well known film composer Joby Talbot went to RH for music, which’s making me shift towards choosing RH. But then again manchester has a higher reputation overall.
It would be great if I can have some advice. Thank you.

Reply 1

The_Lonely_Goatherd

They're both top music departments within the UK, so you'd do well coming from either of them. Have you been able to visit both of them, and/or spoken to any of the composition staff? It's true that Royal Holloway is not part of the Russell Group but that doesn't mean much in terms of undergrad experience, in all honesty. Royal Holloway is part of the University of London, which carries some international clout.

I'm not that familiar with Manchester (I did apply there for music myself, but in 2006 :shakecane:

). RH has some cool people and has invested a lot in outstanding new studio facilities in recent years.

Since you're a composer, I'd focus on who you'd prefer to be taught by (composer-wise), and networking opportunities. You should also consider what kind of place you'd like to live in for 3 years! Manchester is a bustling city, whereas Egham (where the main RH campus is, and where all your lectures would be for the music degree) is a town quite a distance from Central London (45 mins minimum on the fast train! And that's not including the walk down the steep hill that the campus is on). Some people love that Egham is quieter, others less so...